1. The History of Islam

2. Background Islam: One of the world’s great religions
Birth place: Middle East on the Arabian Peninsula,
Important cities: Mecca and Medina
Medina
Mecca

3. Founder Muhammed Born in Mecca, AD 570
Raised by uncle, became a trader
Married, age 25 to Khadija (AD 595)
Age 40, had a vision
Told by angel to preach monotheism to Arabians
Became the Prophet
AD 622, forced to leave Mecca, went to Yathrib (Medina) = Hegira (flight)
AD 630, returned and conquered Mecca with an army
Dedicated the Kaaba, sacred shrine, to the one God, Allah
632, Muhammed died
Islam had spread across entire Arabian Peninsula

4. Beliefs 5 Pillars: Belief in one God, Allah and Muhammed, his prophet
Prayer, 5 times per day
Charity
Fast during Ramadan
Hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca
**Jihad, struggle for faith
Also “Holy War”

5. Beliefs/Practices Other items Islam means “submission”
Muslim is one who “submits”
So, the religion is called Islam. A follower of Islam is called a Muslim.

6. Beliefs/Practices Mosque: Islamic place of worship
Unique feature: Minarets: towers, used for “call to prayer”

7. Beliefs/Practices Koran: Islamic holy book
Some similar stories to the Bible
Noah, Moses
Jesus, a prophet

8. Beliefs/Practices The Kaaba:
Ancient shrine Muslims believe was built by the Prophet Abraham
Used to worship “many gods” before Islam.

9. History 661, Islam split into two branches: Spread of Islam:
Sunni: Any devout Muslim could be “Caliph”
Shia: Only descendants of Muhammed could be “caliph”
Caliph: successor of prophet, leader
Ummayyad Dynasty:
Abbassid Dynasty:
Spread of Islam:
661: All of Middle east
732: Across North Africa
After 800’s, even further spread of Islam

10. Spread of Islam

11. Reason for Success Arab armies were united by their beliefs
Warriors who died in service of Islam won a place in paradise
Riches to be during conquest of lands
Jihad also motivated soldiers
Protecting the religion- holy lands or people